KUALA LUMPUR: The victory of the unity government candidates in the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections proves the political maturity of the Johor people, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said it was evident that Johoreans were not easily swayed by political slander and were confident that the unity government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could ensure the country’s stability.

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"We were a bit worried in Simpang Jeram. Political analysts said the chances of the unity government candidate were close to the wire.

"They also said the unity government’s candidate in Pulai would win but with a very slim margin. I would like to say that the Johor people are indeed politically mature.

"...they are not easily swayed by slander as what happened in three northern and east coast states (during the state elections).

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"The people of Johor know that the only government that can ensure stability is the one led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said when opening the 15th general assembly of the Makkal Sakti Party, here, Sunday (Sept 10).

Pakatan Harapan (PH) maintained the status quo in the by-elections on Saturday (Sept 9) after its candidates won the seats with comfortable majorities.

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Suhaizan Kaiat and Nazri Abdul Rahman, both from Parti Amanah Negara, defeated other challengers to the seats, garnering 48,283 votes with an 18,641-vote majority and 13,844 votes with a 3,514-vote majority, respectively.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said the strong majority is also a referendum that the unity government is accepted and validated by the people.

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On the Pelangai by-election, he said the BN candidate should be re-elected to ensure the continuity of service to the constituents, adding that he is evaluating potential candidates with Pahang BN chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

"Six names have been submitted and I am reviewing them along with the Pahang BN chairman. We will come up with a shortlist soon,” he said. - Bernama